Political Theories of the Rule of Law (309-0-1)
Instructors
Jacqueline Stevens
Scott Hall, Rm 304
Professor Stevens writes about the theories and history of citizenship and immigration laws. Her most recent book is States Without Nations: Citizenship for Mortals (Columbia University Press, paperback 2011). Her work also has been published in The Nation magazine, for which she won a 2011 award from Project Uncensored.
Meeting Info
Scott Hall 201 Ripton Room: Wed 9:00AM - 11:50AM
Overview of class
The phrase "rule of law" conveys a range of expectations we have of government and each other. Is the rule of law a meaningful aspiration for a legal system that is fair and ensures everyone, including government officials are equally accountable? Or is the phrase a cynical ruse on behalf of the powerful to control wealth, territory, and populations? This course will explore the origins of the rule of law in European political thought and compare selected theorists' descriptions of the relation between law and politics. The course will focus substantively on the use of state violence and civil penalties in contexts of war, families, and corporations, including the university. The jurisprudence of U.S. statutory interpretation will be explored through analysis of debates about the implementation of national security and sexual harassment policies. The theoretical frameworks of Walter Benjamin, Friedrich Hayek, Franz Kafka, Carl Schmitt, Hans Kelsen, H.L.A. Hart, Lon Fuller, Jacques Derrida, Catherine MacKinnon, Max Weber, and Janet Halley will be compared for their usefulness in understanding the interpretation of contemporary laws and imagining alternatives.
This class introduces students to the primary texts, theories, and techniques necessary for grasping the rule of law in the United States today. The objective is to improve basic legal literacy in the context of larger questions of political and legal theory. Skills student learn include legal research using online databases, including LexisUni, and Proquest Congressional research databases, as well as how to understand the U.S. Code and Code of Federal Regulations. Students learn these skills in the context of reflecting on larger principles of statutory interpretation -- does a law mean what the plain text says, what Congress "intends," or a "purpose" imputed to law by judges?
Please note that there are no formal prerequisites, but students who have not had previous classes in political theory may find this class challenging. POLI_SCI 201 or equivalent would be helpful.
POLI_SCI 309-0 and LEGAL_ST 309-0 are taught together; may not receive credit for both courses.
Registration Requirements
Attendance at first class required
Evaluation Method
Your grade will be based on assessments of one-page weekly papers analyzing a citation of your choice from the assigned texts; a class presentation; participation; and a final paper.
Students must be prepared to discuss readings and respond to instructor queries during class meetings.
Class Materials (Required)
Franz Kafka, The Trial. ISBN-13: 978-0805209990
Class Attributes
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area